How to use the new Ground Heat Transfer (slab model integration) in Energyplus 8.2

One of the new feature of Energyplus 8.2 is Integrated slab calculations that now allow improved simulation of ground heat transfer. However, I could not find any information on this new feature in energyplus documentation.
Which input object do I have to use to activate the improved detailed ground heat transfer? Are there any example file to try this new Energyplus feature?

1 Answer

That is a great new feature of 8.2. You will want to use the Site:GroundDomain object, which has documentation in the IORef and EngRef. There are 3 example files packaged with 8.2 that use this object:

5ZoneAirCooledWithCoupledInGradeSlab.idf

SlabInGradeWithInsulation.idf

SlabOnGradeWithInsulation.idf

In our development code, we have also implemented an integrated basement model, which made us rename that object to SIte:GroundDomain:Slab to differentiate it from the new SIte:GroundDomain:Basement. Keep an eye out for this in the next (8.3...) EnergyPlus release.

Comments

Thanks @Edwin. After serveral trial I got my model running with Site:GroundDomain object. I would like to add for not so experience Energyplus user:
Do not forget to create SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionModel object that should have the name of you GroundCoupledOSCM model and indicate type of modelling "GroundCoupledSurface"